THANE HAWKINS- PROPRIETOR/WINEMAKER

After a successful career in the animation industry- working on such groundbreaking films as Shrek, Monster’s Inc, and ANTZ- Thane Hawkins decided it was time for a change.  During a six month leave of absence, he relocated to Oregon, where he immediately fell in love with the Willamette Valley, and more specifically, Pinot Noir.  He began making wine out of his garage, and his mixed results verified his passion for wine-making.  He set out to get hands-on experience by enrolling in Chemeketa College’s viticulture program, and working harvest at Wine By Joe.  In 2007, Methven Family Vineyards hired Thane to be their assistant winemaker.  While working for Methven, Thane was presented the opportunity to make a small quantity of his own wine.  And thus, Hawkins Cellars was born.

Ten years later, Hawkins Cellars has found a home on Underwood Mountain in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, a region of unparalleled beauty similar in climate to Alsace. It is there that Thane is both growing and sourcing cool climate varietals, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, as well as continuing to source Rhone varietals such as Syrah, Mourvedre, and Viognier from a stable of world class vineyard sites around Washington’s Yakima Valley.  So whether you drink our wine at home or visit our tasting room in the Columbia River Gorge in Underwood, Washington, the mission is the same: old world wines in a new world setting!